He settled into the chair beside her, a mug cradled in his hands, his only response a dimpled smile.
A few minutes passed. Hummingbirds continued their evening dance, finding nectar and hurrying away afterward. One of the birds boasted colors so brilliant, it looked to be covered in jewels. It flitted around a flower, then zoomed right up to Ella. She gasped. Its wings beat cold air against her cheeks. The hummingbird darted forward, brushing against her neck before it rushed away once more.
“You made a friend.”
Her mouth turned up in a smirk, responding to the amusement in Cody’s voice. “He’s such a pretty friend too.”
Cody’s lips twitched. “Is that your only requirement for friendship?”
“Not theonlyrequirement.” Ella tossed her hair back. “But it’s a good thing you’re pretty, so we can be friends.”
A low rumble sounded deep in his throat. “You’re calling a grown man pretty?”
“Indeed. With all that tousled hair and those sapphire eyes—you might as well resign yourself to your prettiness.” Goodness, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d flirted. Doing so with her husband made her spine tingle.
His mug joined hers on the rail. He stood, crossing his arms. “And would aprettyman toss a beautiful woman over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes?”
What?
Cody hoisted her from her seat and tossed her in the air. The blanket dropped to the ground. Ella shrieked as her stomach landed on his shoulder, her hands clutching his tapered waist for support. Not that she needed to. Cody’s strong hands held her in place. Laughter shook his body. “Are you ready to give me a different label now? I’m not sure my male pride can handle ‘pretty.’”
She dangled against his back, using her hands to push herself up. “If you put me down, I will.”
“Promise?”
His voice held a note of teasing. Tingles shot through her heart. “I promise.”
Cody gripped her waist and pulled her back over his shoulder. Her feet hit the ground, but her husband made no move to let her go. His eyes twinkled in the fading light. “All right. What’s your new word?”
When had he grown a playful side? Her words escaped in a breathy whisper. “Ruggedly handsome.”
His smirk turned into a smile. “That so?” He tilted his head to the side and pursed his lips before nodding. “Yeah, that’s better.Muchbetter”
She smacked his chest. “Silly man.” Her hands paused on the solid muscles under her touch, her eyes locked on his. He truly was handsome. But his good looks were secondary to the goodness in his heart. That had attracted her to him more with each passing day. Her heart skipped a beat. Admitting that to herself felt like a major step in their relationship.
Cody stilled as their stare lengthened. His grip on her waist tightened, drawing her closer. Something crackled in the air between them. Ella’s memory dug up their kiss by candlelight, a kiss that had yet to be repeated. As if reading her thoughts, Cody’s eyes dropped to her lips.
Fear flickered through Ella. Howard’s face filled her vision, and for a brief moment, she wanted to bolt. Cody’s hands slid up her back. “I won’t hurt you, darlin’,” he whispered. “You have my word.”
Her body released its tension. She sank into him, letting his strength hold her up. “I know. I trust you.”
Cody lowered his head. He pressed his lips against hers, firm but gentle. Ella’s hands curled into his shirt. His kiss made her heart pound. She was sure he could feel it against his own. She let one hand slide up to his neck, her fingers sinking into his soft hair.
Cody tilted his head, deepening their kiss. His hands spread over her back. He cradled her against him, igniting strong feelings inside while making her feel safe. She clung to her husband, matching his passion, awed at the connection they shared.
Long, sweet minutes passed. When at last they parted, Ella found herself breathless. Cody stared into her eyes, chest heaving, but still he held her close, as if reluctant to let go. A tender smile broke out on his face. He kissed her once more, then tugged her toward a chair. “Sit with me?”
She nodded, about to sit in the one beside him when he pulled her onto his lap. Ella gasped. “Cody!”
“What? I asked you to sit with me.”
Ella sputtered. He laughed, reaching down for the blanket on the ground. After slinging it around both of them, he held her close. “I want to know you, Ella. Really know you. Your hopes, dreams, fears—all of it. I want to know your favorite color, your childhood memories.” His face buried into her neck, his breath hot against her skin. “I want to know everything about the woman I’m falling for.”
She stilled. “Falling for?”
He lifted his head slowly. Her surprise was reflected in his eyes. Cody’s brow furrowed, but he nodded. “Yeah. I suppose I am.”
Ella’s heart swelled. She didn’t respond with words. Instead, she sought his lips and showed him how she felt.
